The Masquerade of the Reaper - Revision history

Hailmur: /* Celebration */

2023-07-03T14:19:19Z

Celebration

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:19, 3 July 2023
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	==Celebration==		==Celebration==
	The festival has its roots in [[dramaturgy]] and the League's love affair with masks - although some scholars point out some semantic similarities with the [[Highguard\|Highborn]] - [[Highguard_culture_and_customs#Day_of_the_Dead\|Day of the Dead]] which also takes place at the Winter Solstice. Where the Day of the Dead is quite stoic and dark, however, the League festival is a time of bittersweet celebration designed to bring the community together and ~~emphasis~~ the loyal bonds that ~~unit~~ them.		The festival has its roots in [[dramaturgy]] and the League's love affair with masks - although some scholars point out some semantic similarities with the [[Highguard\|Highborn]] - [[Highguard_culture_and_customs#Day_of_the_Dead\|Day of the Dead]] which also takes place at the Winter Solstice. Where the Day of the Dead is quite stoic and dark, however, the League festival is a time of bittersweet celebration designed to bring the community together and emphasise the loyal bonds that unite them.

	There are a number of traditions associated with the Masquerade of the Reaper. While the festival is recognisable across the League, individual cities put their own unique spin on them. Caterina's plan to reinvigorate the Anvil Masquerade is to include the most popular traditions practised in one or more of the cities.		There are a number of traditions associated with the Masquerade of the Reaper. While the festival is recognisable across the League, individual cities put their own unique spin on them. Caterina's plan to reinvigorate the Anvil Masquerade is to include the most popular traditions practised in one or more of the cities.

Rafferty at 09:58, 12 May 2023

2023-05-12T09:58:22Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:58, 12 May 2023
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	[[Category:The League]]		[[Category:The League]]
			<div style="float:left; width: 600px; clear: left;">{{CaptionedImage\|file=The Reaper.png\|align=left\|caption=Even in mourning, the League cannot help but make a grand show.\|width=600}}</div>
	==Overview==		==Overview==
	Even in mourning, the League cannot help but make a grand show. Each year at the Winter solstice, the ''Masquerade of the Reaper'' offers citizens a chance to celebrate the lives of those they have lost, which they do with great style. In the cities themselves, plazas and squares - and the occasional street - becomes the scene of a feast and associated festivities arranged by wealthy guilds and local businesses. Residents compete to demonstrate their [[Prosperity]] with fine food, unique entertainments, and extravagant decorations.		Even in mourning, the League cannot help but make a grand show. Each year at the Winter solstice, the ''Masquerade of the Reaper'' offers citizens a chance to celebrate the lives of those they have lost, which they do with great style. In the cities themselves, plazas and squares - and the occasional street - becomes the scene of a feast and associated festivities arranged by wealthy guilds and local businesses. Residents compete to demonstrate their [[Prosperity]] with fine food, unique entertainments, and extravagant decorations.

Hastur: /* The Danse Macabre */

2022-12-09T15:31:53Z

The Danse Macabre

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:31, 9 December 2022
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	Once there, any of the citizens of the League who attend Anvil may speak with them and make a (symbolic) public presentation to the spirits of the dead. Any words said to the masked figure are, as far as Leaguers are concerned, spoken to the dead and thus to be taken to the Labyrinth. The role is taken very seriously - significant [[The League culture and customs#Dead Reckoning\|Dead Reckoning]] may be recorded for the favour of taking on a guise, or the honour of being asked.		Once there, any of the citizens of the League who attend Anvil may speak with them and make a (symbolic) public presentation to the spirits of the dead. Any words said to the masked figure are, as far as Leaguers are concerned, spoken to the dead and thus to be taken to the Labyrinth. The role is taken very seriously - significant [[The League culture and customs#Dead Reckoning\|Dead Reckoning]] may be recorded for the favour of taking on a guise, or the honour of being asked.

	The festival includes a great many entertainments; and as in all things, the League cannot help but be competitive about them. No-one officially judges who performs the finest play or hosts the finest gathering, but be in no doubt that citizens keep score of who and what has impressed or offended them. Leading theatre [[troupe\|troupes]] and musicians will be sure to perform ~~publically~~ and many of the more fashion conscious will choose this time to reveal their new outfits.		The festival includes a great many entertainments; and as in all things, the League cannot help but be competitive about them. No-one officially judges who performs the finest play or hosts the finest gathering, but be in no doubt that citizens keep score of who and what has impressed or offended them. Leading theatre [[troupe\|troupes]] and musicians will be sure to perform publicly and many of the more fashion conscious will choose this time to reveal their new outfits.

	On many Holberg streets and in other cities it is traditional to conclude the entertainments and the festival itself with the Danse Macabre. The Danse Macabre is different to what has gone before, more sombre in tone. Choices vary but the music is usually slower, with a haunting or melancholy tune. Those who are present at the end will line up to perform the dance, which is always simple with a strong processional element, often circling around the central fount. Dancers will form pairs, and often hold hands, but only ever one, never both. It is considered the height of misfortune for a dancer in the Macabre to put both hands on their partner.		On many Holberg streets and in other cities it is traditional to conclude the entertainments and the festival itself with the Danse Macabre. The Danse Macabre is different to what has gone before, more sombre in tone. Choices vary but the music is usually slower, with a haunting or melancholy tune. Those who are present at the end will line up to perform the dance, which is always simple with a strong processional element, often circling around the central fount. Dancers will form pairs, and often hold hands, but only ever one, never both. It is considered the height of misfortune for a dancer in the Macabre to put both hands on their partner.

Hastur: /* The Doctors Mask */

2022-12-09T15:30:39Z

The Doctors Mask

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:30, 9 December 2022
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	===The Doctors Mask===		===The Doctors Mask===
	It is considered the worst possible luck to let Death see your own face, as then they will know what to look for during the year to come. Any Leaguer thus knows the importance of wearing a mask for protection, while many have tales of someone who flaunted this tradition and came to an unfortunate end soon after. Some citizens prefer to wear a beautiful decorative mask, often a domino or half-face mask. These might be adorned with semi-precious stones like lapis lazuli. Bolder citizens will ~~chose~~ a dramaturgical mask, hoping to draw on the strengths of the character in question in the year to come. There are powerful [[The League hearth magic\|hearth magic]] associated with masks that should not be under-estimated.		It is considered the worst possible luck to let Death see your own face, as then they will know what to look for during the year to come. Any Leaguer thus knows the importance of wearing a mask for protection, while many have tales of someone who flaunted this tradition and came to an unfortunate end soon after. Some citizens prefer to wear a beautiful decorative mask, often a domino or half-face mask. These might be adorned with semi-precious stones like lapis lazuli. Bolder citizens will choose a dramaturgical mask, hoping to draw on the strengths of the character in question in the year to come. There are powerful [[The League hearth magic\|hearth magic]] associated with masks that should not be under-estimated.

	Of course one mask is specially reserved; that of [[the Doctor]], that represents death itself. Traditionally, this mask is worn by those who organise and oversee the festivities. In Anvil, the egregore sometimes dons the mask of the Doctor but they will often ask a handful of other citizens to wear the mask as well, to help encourage the celebrations and spread the festivities.		Of course one mask is specially reserved; that of [[the Doctor]], that represents death itself. Traditionally, this mask is worn by those who organise and oversee the festivities. In Anvil, the egregore sometimes dons the mask of the Doctor but they will often ask a handful of other citizens to wear the mask as well, to help encourage the celebrations and spread the festivities.

Hastur: /* Overview */

2022-12-09T15:27:24Z

Overview

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:27, 9 December 2022
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	Even in mourning, the League cannot help but make a grand show. Each year at the Winter solstice, the ''Masquerade of the Reaper'' offers citizens a chance to celebrate the lives of those they have lost, which they do with great style. In the cities themselves, plazas and squares - and the occasional street - becomes the scene of a feast and associated festivities arranged by wealthy guilds and local businesses. Residents compete to demonstrate their [[Prosperity]] with fine food, unique entertainments, and extravagant decorations.		Even in mourning, the League cannot help but make a grand show. Each year at the Winter solstice, the ''Masquerade of the Reaper'' offers citizens a chance to celebrate the lives of those they have lost, which they do with great style. In the cities themselves, plazas and squares - and the occasional street - becomes the scene of a feast and associated festivities arranged by wealthy guilds and local businesses. Residents compete to demonstrate their [[Prosperity]] with fine food, unique entertainments, and extravagant decorations.

	Since the death of Britta and her court, along with any luminaries of League society, the celebrations at Anvil had become increasingly subdued. Shortly before the ~~WInter~~ Solstice 382YE, the league egregore resolved to put an end to this decline and revitalise the celebration on the fields of Anvil.		Since the death of Britta and her court, along with any luminaries of League society, the celebrations at Anvil had become increasingly subdued. Shortly before the Winter Solstice 382YE, the league egregore resolved to put an end to this decline and revitalise the celebration on the fields of Anvil.

	==Celebration==		==Celebration==

Rafferty at 19:26, 13 April 2019

2019-04-13T19:26:10Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:26, 13 April 2019
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	Amongst the [[Mountebank\|street magicians]] the festival has a gained a slightly different flavour. It is known unofficially as the ''Masquerade of the Red Dancer''. Daring acts of sabotage and infiltration are committed under heavy masks, and it is said the greatest long cons have reached their climax on this night. The knowledge of this tradition adds an extra frisson of danger to the celebration - at the back of the mind of each [[The_League_leadership\|prince]] and [[bishop]] is the vague suspicion that ''this'' might be the night where some unscrupulous trickster, grifter or thief unravels their carefully laid plans.		Amongst the [[Mountebank\|street magicians]] the festival has a gained a slightly different flavour. It is known unofficially as the ''Masquerade of the Red Dancer''. Daring acts of sabotage and infiltration are committed under heavy masks, and it is said the greatest long cons have reached their climax on this night. The knowledge of this tradition adds an extra frisson of danger to the celebration - at the back of the mind of each [[The_League_leadership\|prince]] and [[bishop]] is the vague suspicion that ''this'' might be the night where some unscrupulous trickster, grifter or thief unravels their carefully laid plans.

	<~~!--~~ Thanks to Tim Baker, Lizy Townshend, Rick and an unnamed fourth collaborator plus the League facebook group players for ~~this~~ write-up of the Masquerade -->		<small>Thanks to Tim Baker, Lizy Townshend, Rick and an unnamed fourth collaborator plus the League facebook group players for there assistance with the original write-up of the Masquerade</small>

Rafferty at 19:25, 13 April 2019

2019-04-13T19:25:25Z

Show changes

Rafferty at 20:40, 27 March 2019

2019-03-27T20:40:36Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:40, 27 March 2019
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	Being asked to take on the death guise at any time implies a great deal of trust and respect, but this is especially true at this grand memorial performance. Any words said to the masked figure are, as far as Leaguers are concerned, spoken to the dead and thus to be taken to the Labyrinth. The role is taken very seriously - significant [[The League culture and customs#Dead Reckoning\|Dead Reckoning]] may be recorded for the favour of taking on a guise, or the honour of being asked.		Being asked to take on the death guise at any time implies a great deal of trust and respect, but this is especially true at this grand memorial performance. Any words said to the masked figure are, as far as Leaguers are concerned, spoken to the dead and thus to be taken to the Labyrinth. The role is taken very seriously - significant [[The League culture and customs#Dead Reckoning\|Dead Reckoning]] may be recorded for the favour of taking on a guise, or the honour of being asked.

	Powerful [[The League hearth magic\|hearth magic]] is associated with this festival. It is considered the worst possible luck to let the Reaper see your own face, as then they will know what to look for during the year to come. Any Leaguer thus knows the importance of wearing a mask for protection, while many have tales of someone who flaunted this tradition and came to an unfortunate end soon after. Scholars often compare this dramaturgic personification of Death to that of the [[The Brass Coast\|Freeborn]]. On the Brass Coast, Death is often portrayed as a foolish figure of fun; while there is an air of festivity to the role of the Reaper, the traditions that surround its celebratory incarnation are deadly serious. It is unsurprising that the two nations have similar customs relating to the personification of death - some scholars see this as a reaction to their shared historical connection to the [[Highguard\|Highborn]].		Powerful [[The League hearth magic\|hearth magic]] is associated with this festival. It is considered the worst possible luck to let the Reaper see your own face, as then they will know what to look for during the year to come. Any Leaguer thus knows the importance of wearing a mask for protection, while many have tales of someone who flaunted this tradition and came to an unfortunate end soon after. Scholars often compare this dramaturgic personification of [[The_Doctor#Death\|Death]] to that of the [[The Brass Coast\|Freeborn]]. On the Brass Coast, Death is often portrayed as a foolish figure of fun; while there is an air of festivity to the role of the Reaper, the traditions that surround its celebratory incarnation are deadly serious. It is unsurprising that the two nations have similar customs relating to the personification of death - some scholars see this as a reaction to their shared historical connection to the [[Highguard\|Highborn]].

	Festivities will continue long after dark, with the guilds remaining open for business as the central Plaza transforms into the night market. A visitor to The League camp at this time might be forgiven for thinking the whole area was reminiscent of a stage, with every citizen performing. They would not be far wrong.		Festivities will continue long after dark, with the guilds remaining open for business as the central Plaza transforms into the night market. A visitor to The League camp at this time might be forgiven for thinking the whole area was reminiscent of a stage, with every citizen performing. They would not be far wrong.

David Kibblewhite at 10:48, 20 January 2019

2019-01-20T10:48:07Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:48, 20 January 2019
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	===Mountebanks and Tricksters===		===Mountebanks and Tricksters===
	Amongst the [[Mountebank\|street magicians]] the festival has a gained a slightly different flavour. It is known unofficially as the ''Masquerade of the Red Dancer''. Daring acts of sabotage and infiltration are ~~commited~~ under heavy masks, and it is said the greatest long cons have reached their climax on this night. The knowledge of this tradition adds an extra frisson of danger to the celebration - at the back of the mind of each [[The_League_leadership\|prince]] and [[bishop]] is the vague suspicion that ''this'' might be the night where some unscrupulous trickster, grifter or thief unravels their carefuly laid plans.		Amongst the [[Mountebank\|street magicians]] the festival has a gained a slightly different flavour. It is known unofficially as the ''Masquerade of the Red Dancer''. Daring acts of sabotage and infiltration are committed under heavy masks, and it is said the greatest long cons have reached their climax on this night. The knowledge of this tradition adds an extra frisson of danger to the celebration - at the back of the mind of each [[The_League_leadership\|prince]] and [[bishop]] is the vague suspicion that ''this'' might be the night where some unscrupulous trickster, grifter or thief unravels their carefuly laid plans.

	<ic>		<ic>

Rosemary: /* Bridge Duelling */

2015-03-26T16:07:48Z

Bridge Duelling

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:07, 26 March 2015
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	===Bridge Duelling===		===Bridge Duelling===
	Some of the competition is more obvious to an outsider. ''Bridge Duelling'' is a popular sport between [[bravo\|bravos]], a sport often credited as a satire of the relations between the twin cities of [[Tassato]]. One team will stake out an area as their 'bridge' and challenge all comers who wish to cross it. This culminates in a grand series of [[#Duelling\|duels]] where competitors fight for ribbons. Duellists can choose to stake a number of ribbons from their collection against each other, but a greater number are often won from admirers in the crowd who applaud ~~showmanship~~, wit and style as much as combat prowess. In keeping with the masked nature of the festival, it is common for combatants to adopt a persona and announce themselves under a name chosen for the occasion, rather than their own.		Some of the competition is more obvious to an outsider. ''Bridge Duelling'' is a popular sport between [[bravo\|bravos]], a sport often credited as a satire of the relations between the twin cities of [[Tassato]]. One team will stake out an area as their 'bridge' and challenge all comers who wish to cross it. This culminates in a grand series of [[#Duelling\|duels]] where competitors fight for ribbons. Duellists can choose to stake a number of ribbons from their collection against each other, but a greater number are often won from admirers in the crowd who applaud flamboyance, wit and style as much as combat prowess. In keeping with the masked nature of the festival, it is common for combatants to adopt a persona and announce themselves under a name chosen for the occasion, rather than their own.

	===Gifts===		===Gifts===
	The giving of gifts to loved ones is very common during the festival, although individual guilds have very varied traditions; outsiders would be well warned to subtly find out what is normal for any guild they have regular dealings with. For some, the gift of food and drink is the norm, while others take pride in giving small but much more personal trinkets.		The giving of gifts to loved ones is very common during the festival, although individual guilds have very varied traditions; outsiders would be well warned to subtly find out what is normal for any guild they have regular dealings with. For some, the gift of food and drink is the norm, while others take pride in giving small but much more personal trinkets.